Songkran Festival 2022 is Back With a Splash as Thailand Reopens to Tourists

After watered-down (pun not intended) celebrations in the past years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand’s most popular festival is back with a splash of exciting activities. Scheduled on April 13-15, Songkran Water Festival marks the start of the Thai New Year on the Buddhist calendar. The term “Songkran” is derived from a Sanskrit word that means “passing” or “approaching.”

Water is at the center of Songkran festivities. It is believed that splashing water on festival attendees wash away negative energy and bad fortune. Songkran is observed all over Thailand where major streets are closed to make way for water fights. The three-day festival often starts with temple visits to offer food to Buddhist monks. Thais also pour water onto Buddha statues, as well as young people and senior citizens to wash away their sins and negative vibes. Parades also dominate the streets, featuring colorful floats that display Thailand’s symbolic figures. But the main highlight of the three-day festival is when people flock to the streets carrying toy guns and buckets to play water fight.

Breaking a two-year postponement of activities amid the COVID-19 crisis, the Thai government has given the greenlight to all activities, including interprovincial travels, related to the Songkran festival. The country is gradually opening its borders to foreign travelers in a post-COVID-19 world where the virus will hopefully be treated as endemic. But while Thailand is easing its restrictions, the government reminds the public to continue to comply with protocols, particularly its VUCA scheme of vaccine, universal prevention, COVID-19-free setting, and ATK testing.

If you are excited to join this year’s festivities, check out the events below!

Songkran 2022 by GCIRCUIT

Scheduled on April 8-11, Songkran 2022 by GCIRCUIT is your perfect primer to this year’s water festival. The lineup includes DJs Allan Natal, Jesus Montanez, Grant, and more. The event will kick off on April 8 at 4:30 PM with the “Ahoy!” welcome party and conclude on April 11 with the “Shocking Pink” closing party.

Check out their website for tickets and other information.

Wet and Wild Songkran Festival 2022

Scheduled from April 12-16, Wet and Wild Songkran Festival 2022 will feature “300 sexy bikini babes,” live bands, and whiskey bottles. VIP rooms are also available for exclusive shows. Visit this page to see more details about this five-day event.

SO Pool Party

SO organizes a pool party every last Saturday of the month, making this event a perfect venue to relive all the wet and wild activities during Songkran. The party is held from 1 PM to 9 PM, featuring an exciting line-up of DJs plus overflowing booze. Visit SO Pool Party’s page to get updated on their upcoming event.